Dear McKittrick School District Families,

I am pleased to welcome you to the start of the 2022-23 school year and officially introduce myself to the greater community. I consider it a privilege to have been appointed your new Interim Superintendent and graciously welcomed into the school and community these past few weeks. The McKittrick School District has earned a reputation for academic excellence, which exists due to the wonderful people of our community and the hard work of our students and staff.

I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and my family. First and foremost, I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have four children, three girls and a boy, ranging in age from 12-to-26 years old. You guessed it; our son is the fourth child. My oldest daughter, Kailey, lives at home while attending a day program. She has never let her disabilities stop her as she works in our community. Our second daughter, Madison, is married and in her third year of teaching. Our youngest daughter, McKenzie, is starting her third year of college at California State University, Fresno studying to be a graphic designer. Our youngest child, Lincoln, is twelve and starting seventh grade. He is a fan of every sport but has a particular interest in golf and football. Our kids are far from perfect, but they are good people. I tell you this because my experiences as a mother have helped to shape me as an educator and a leader.

I come to you with twenty-six years of educational experience. I taught for 15 years, both elementary and high school, and loved both experiences. I was an assistant principal, principal, and the Director of Student Services before joining Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Over the past seven years, I have held several positions, most recently as Administrator of Continuous Improvement and Support. I sincerely believe in a quality and comprehensive education for all students. McKittrick is known not only for its academic excellence but also for the positive and healthy relationships between staff and students. I take very seriously that you have entrusted the young people of this community to our care and expect our excellent team to give their best every day.

There is so much for your students to be excited about when they return on Monday, August 15th. Our maintenance, operations, and transportation team, Jessie, David, and Blake, are working diligently to paint, repair, and ensure our school and buses are prepared for a new school year. Our front office staff, Mrs. Mandi, is preparing for school enrollment and registration while ensuring our budget serves our needs. Our teachers are enjoying some well-deserved rest and are gearing up to provide rigorous and fun academic instruction while Mrs. Barlow is keeping our pool a fun place to stay out of the heat this summer.

Finally, I want to congratulate Mr. Barry Koermer for his 17 years of leadership for the McKittrick Elementary School District. We are excited to welcome him to his new role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Academic Technology.  

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have as we begin this new school year. I am excited to watch the learning and growth our community children will have this school year. 

With great excitement,  

Heather Richter, Ed.D.

Interim Superintendent 

McKittrick Elementary School District

23250 2nd Street, McKittrick, CA, 93251

Email: hrichter@mckittrickschool.org 

Office 661.762.7303 Cell 661.557.7246

Go Drillers!